Rashad Evans compliments Jon Jones, talks future activity

In a turn from his standard verbal stylings on the subject of Jon Jones, former UFC light heavyweight champ Rashad Evans recently had some nice things to say about his former training partner and the division’s current title-holder.

Evans’ praise came after being asked about a potential fight with “Bones” in December he had to pass on for health-related reasons only to see Lyoto Machida step in for an opportunity to take the belt back to Brazil.

“The kid is kinda dope. He’s alright. He’s a pretty good fighter, Evans commented with a sly grin to MMA Heat while discussing the lack of training time – a month or less – that would have been involved had he taken the December 10 bout at UFC 140.

As far as what he plans to do now that the cast protecting his injured hand has been removed, Evans explained he would work on getting back into shape and consider options as they’re presented to him.

“I want to stay active. I want to keep on fighting. And if another opportunity comes and it’s a better opportunity or (even) an opportunity to stay active, I might take it.”

Since losing his championship to Machida at UFC 98, “Sugar” ‘Shad has gone 3-0 and holds an overall record of 16-1-1 including wins over Thiago Silva, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Quinton Jackson, and Forrest Griffin.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

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MMATraining Take: It would definitely make sense for Evans to take another fight since it’s likely Jones/Machida will need a few months off anyways after their fight in a few months. I think the most logical choice would be the winner of UFC 139’s headliner between Dan Henderson and Mauricio Rua since the victor will also be in line to lay claim to a title-shot. Might as well sort the mess out, right?